Croatia has surprisingly been way distant from its usual self in the UEFA Euro Cup 2024 so far. Unfortunately, for the nation, redemption might not be possible heading into the third matchday of the group stages. A humiliating 3-0 defeat to Spain followed by a disappointing 2-2 draw with Albania has left Croatia’s qualification chances beyond their own hands in the European championship. “We don’t want to go home so early, the start is not good.”, manager Zlatko Dalic also outlined the vulnerability of his team.
The Italians will be the next hurdle for Croatia in Group B. Needless to say, the country cannot be satisfied with anything other than a victory. Currently, at the bottom, three points will take Luka Modric and his side to four, which also might very well prove to be enough for qualification. Nevertheless, whatever happens in the third round can not overshadow the poor display of the 2022 FIFA World Cup bronze medalists.
Age is finally catching up with the Croatian team
Experience is always deemed to be the most important trait in an international tournament. However, with the likes of Nico Williams, Arda Guler, Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, and more, UEFA Euro 2024 has witnessed the next generation to be the driving force behind success. Unfortunately, Croatia which is always dependent on its senior players, has been the testimony of the change. “Come on, let’s go”, were the words of an annoyed Luka Modric when asked whether the nation also needed a shift to the younger players.
Croatia’s midfield has more often than not bailed out the national team from adversity. Luka Modric (38), Marcelo Brozovic (31), and Mateo Kovacic (30) have started all the games so far in the center of the park and have been unable to keep up with the pace of the match. Brozovic, especially, has looked out of sorts in the holding midfield role, further worsening Croatia’s plight.
Defensive woes have plagued Croatia
A strong and stable defense is the most important requisite in a soccer tournament. A reliable backline forms the backbone for the rest of the structure to excel. When Croatia’s squad for the tournament was announced with the likes of inform Josko Gvardiol, Josip Stanisic, and ever-dependable Dominik Livakovic in goal, many expected the nation to withstand even the best of attacking threats.
Wide gaps between the center backs, incoherence amongst the defenders, and allowing too much space for forwards to run in behind have been the factors leading to Croatia’s miserable defense. The country has already conceded five goals in two matches, with a negative goal difference of three. The goal difference might very well prove to be the tiebreaker that knocks Croatia out of the UEFA Euro 2024.